The Best of the Ohio Valley Readers Choice Awards were presented during a ceremony at the Wheeling Country Club.

The event was sponsored by The Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register and Times Leader newspapers. Readers first nominated their local favorites in such areas as restaurants, medical providers, hair and spa specialists and home improvement providers through online submissions. After finalists were determined in each category, a second online vote process determined the winners in 138 categories.

An estimated 85,000 votes were tabulated, according to John McCabe, editor of The Intelligencer.

At the end of the evening, Cloud Nine Salon and Spa took home a door prize valued at $1,500. This included four quarter-page ads in the newspaper of their choice, gift cards for Sheetz and Olive Garden, and a holiday gift basket.

Cloud Nine earlier took home the award for best hair salon.

Among other top winners was Abbey’s Restaurant and Lounge. The popular eatery received top awards for best overall restaurant, best atmosphere and best service. It was also a finalist in the best steak category.

Owner Joey Maroon seemed most pleased by the best service accolade.

“We want to thank the valley, number one, and we want to thank our staff,” he said. “We couldn’t do anything without our staff.”

WVU Medicine, at both its Wheeling Hospital and Reynolds Memorial Hospital locations, took home a host of awards in the health and medical category.

WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital was deemed best hospital and best for sports medicine and home health care.

It was also a finalist in the physical therapy facility and home hospice categories.

WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital was deemed best assisted living facility, and was a finalist in the categories of audiology practice, home health care, overall best hospital, pediatric practice and physical rehabilitation.

In addition, the Howard Long Wellness Center won for best fitness center; and the Center of Pediatrics WVU Medicine won for pediatric practice.

“The special thing is that each of these votes represents someone we have taken care of,” said Tony Martinelli, COO of Reynolds Memorial Hospital. “They trusted us to take care of their loved ones and their families, and that really means a lot to us.”

Readers selected Bordas & Bordas as best law firm.

“It’s an honor to receive these awards,” managing partner Jamie Bordas said. “When the people here in the valley recognize the work we do, it means a lot to us. We appreciate all the people who voted for us, and the newspapers for giving us this award.”

Zambito Dental Practice was chosen best dental practice in the Ohio Valley.

“It’s awesome to win awards from the people’s choice,” said Dr. Ricardo Zambito. “It means so much that they care what we’re doing. Our staff will be so elated tomorrow. Thank you, and thank you to our patients for voting for us.”

The awards are a show of appreciation to businesses for what they do for the community, said Pam Bennett, advertising director for The Intelligencer.

“Our Best Of The Valley Readers Choice Awards mean a lot to our businesses,” she said. “It is our reader’s way of showing appreciation to our businesses who make our Ohio Valley the best.”